Gabonese-style Stuffed Rice Rolls

Ingredients

In this Gabonese adaptation of Bánh cuốn, we incorporate Gabonese flavors and ingredients to create a unique twist. The traditional Vietnamese rice rolls are filled with a Gabonese-inspired mixture of ground meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices. The sauce is also modified to include Gabonese flavors, adding a tangy and refreshing element to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Bánh cuốn, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (200g) rice flour 1 cup (200g) rice flour
• 1/4 cup (30g) tapioca flour 1/4 cup (30g) tapioca flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups (470ml) water 2 cups (470ml) water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 250g ground beef 250g ground beef
• 1 carrot, grated 1 carrot, grated
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup (60ml) tomato sauce 1/4 cup (60ml) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the rice flour, tapioca flour, salt, and water. Whisk until smooth and let the batter rest for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned. Add the grated carrot, chopped bell pepper, paprika, black pepper, thyme, basil, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Pour in the tomato sauce, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. 5.
   Heat a non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat. Pour a ladleful of the rice batter onto the pan, swirling it around to create a thin and even layer. Cook for a minute or until the edges start to lift.
6. 6.
   Spoon a portion of the meat mixture onto the center of the rice batter. Fold the sides of the batter over the filling to create a roll. Repeat with the remaining batter and filling.
7. 7.
   Steam the stuffed rice rolls for 10-15 minutes, or until the rice batter is cooked through and the filling is heated.
8. 8.
   Serve the Gabonese-style Stuffed Rice Rolls garnished with fresh cilantro and accompanied by a side of tangy tomato sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice flour — Make sure to use a fine rice flour for a smooth batter.
• Ground beef — Opt for lean ground beef for a healthier option.
• Tomato sauce — Choose a high-quality tomato sauce for the best flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier flavor, increase the amount of cayenne pepper.
• Serve the stuffed rice rolls with a side of Gabonese-style hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Experiment with different fillings such as shrimp, chicken, or tofu for variety.
• To save time, prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate until ready to use.
• Steam the rice rolls just before serving to ensure they are warm and tender.

Serving advice

Gabonese-style Stuffed Rice Rolls are best served hot. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

For an appealing presentation, stack the stuffed rice rolls on a plate, drizzle the tomato sauce over them, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve with a side of Gabonese-style hot sauce for those who prefer a spicier taste.